Diversion 600 idling problem

[peterkain]

Hi, Just bought my first 'proper' bike after passing my test in December which is a 1999 Diversion 600 with a fairly high 53,000 miles on it. Because I haven't long passed my test, it has to be 33bhp restricted so that was the first thing I got done before I could even ride it. It runs fine with the restrictor kit, however... if it's left ticking over at traffic lights or junctions etc etc for more than about 20 seconds, when I go to pull away it hesitates and has no power, then all of a sudden it will pick up and go. If I remember to rev it (to about 3000 revs) before I go to pull off, it splutters a bit and then clears. This is not a major problem, but a really annoying one, because if I want to nip off at the lights, I have to remember to rev it to clear it first. Could it just be the restrictor kit?

[bobh]

I think "They all do that, sir."

Well, at least my first (unrestricted) 600N did, very noticeably, and the present (restricted) one does a bit. It's particularly noticeable if you've been blasting along a motorway and then have to wait a while at the exit.

If it's any consolation, my car (a 10-year-old BMW 318Ti Sport) does it too, and that's a pig to get going again if it happens.

I'd be very surprised if it had anything to do with the restrictor kit. I put it down to the plugs getting a bit fouled while the engine's idling - they might also be getting on a bit and need replacing. Remember it's an air-cooled engine so when you're at a standstill the engine will build up quite a bit of heat.

You could try a different grade of plug, or a set of the fancy expensive ones if you're feeling flush.

[CD]

A sticking choke can cause this - the plungers are prone to sticking open
Also check the carb diaphragms.
Dont forget the fuel pump, though they usually cause nothing to happen (no fuel) or cause problems at high revs (not enough fuel).
Spark plugs take a battering as its a wasted spark system. If one is breaking down it sucks the "spark" from the other one.